Baroness elected first Lord Speaker of the Lords

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The former Labour minister Baroness Hayman has been elected the first Lord Speaker of the House of Lords.

The mother of four and former MP Helene Hayman took her seat on the Woolsack after the result of the election was announced at the start of today’s business.

Labour backbenchers roared their approval as her name was announced by the clerk. There were also shouts of disapproval and “order, order” from the Tory benches as Lady Hayman’s supporters clapped loudly as she marched up to the Woolsack.

Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer of Thoroton, beamed as he leapt off the large red